Then shall He give the rain of thy seed
The effusion of the Holy Spirit
These words are, in their literal sense, a promise of a bountiful supply from God of the showers of dew and rain, by which the earth would be made abundantly fruitful.
The promise is given with reference to the casting away of their idols by the Jewish people. But the words are capable of a larger interpretation. The whole chapter looks to blessings greater than any that can be counted by the numbers of time. The plentiful effusion of the Holy Spirit of God, which is so often spoken of under the emblem of “rain” and “dew,” is hereby intended. As the rain and dew could elicit no fertility without preparation of the ground, and industrious tilling upon the part of man,--as the concurrence of both these conditions is requisite in order to secure a produce,--so is it true likewise with regard to spiritual husbandry. There must be on the part of man the use of means, as well as the bestowing of His gifts on the part of God. But it may be asked, How is God’s grace to be obtained? Have any means or channels been appointed for its supply?
1. Prayer is one appointed channel.
2. So is hearing the Word of God.
3. The sacraments. (H. J. Hastings, M. A.)